Eurovision 2018

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Tomorrow marks the Finals of the Eurovision, the 26 finalists are; Ukraine Spain, Slovenia, Lithuania, Austria, Estonia, Norway, Portugal, United Kingdom, Serbia, Germany, Albania, France, Czech Republic, Denmark, Australia, Finland, Bulgaria, Moldova, Sweden, Hungary, Israel, The Netherlands, Ireland, Cyprus, Italy.

China have been banned from broadcasting the Eurovision Finals. ‘(CNN)Organizers of the Eurovision Song Contest, the riotously camp transcontinental music competition, have banned a Chinese TV station from broadcasting Saturday's final after it censored an LGBT-themed performance.’

The EBU states that "This is not in line with the EBU's values of universality and inclusivity and our proud tradition of celebrating diversity through music."

The Eurovision is a celebration of minority, it is a place that has celebrated the LGBT community and has a universal appeal across all genders. One of the most famous examples of this is back from 1998 when Israel entered a trans woman Dana International who went on to win the competition.



“When the night came, 172 points won her the crown, but until that moment winning had never entered her mind – her focus was on sparing her country from disgrace. “I was praying not to embarrass them. Israel was so tense.” Today she attributes the win to the voting process: 1998 was the only year Eurovision determined its winner purely by audience votes. “Maybe because I won they changed it back,” she says. “They were worried the gay community was taking over.”

So what else is happening at this years Eurovision? Saara Aalto, who you may recognise from UK’s X-Factor, is representing Finland. In the past she has missed out on singing for Findland, not just once but twice, in 2011 and 2016.



Here's a video we found of the highlights from the second semi-final! 


Let us know who your favourite acts are and who you're rooting for to win!

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